Letter-Writing

LETTERS – ARCHAIC ALREADY?

Every day we sort through our mail of credit card offers, pamphlets, invitations and bills; somewhere hoping to find a letter, but in vain. The era of letter writing has vanished altogether. Earlier, letters were the primary way of communication. But today, we never receive an envelope addressed personally; leave alone a handwritten letter inside. With much speedier and easier options at hand, it’s not an exaggeration to call letters archaic. ‘In an age like ours, which is not given to letter-writing, we forget what an important part it used to play in people's lives.’ said Anatole Broyard, the American literary critic. What is a letter? Most simply, it’s a written message from one person to another.

‘To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.’ said Phyllis Theroux, the California based essayist, columnist, teacher and author. Handwritten letters have a charm and warmth of their own that can’t be compared to emails/fax/telephone or any other means of communication. The mere fact that a person has taken so much care as to write a personalized letter can cheer up the receiver. Further, it's easy to get confused when trying to express verbally how you feel. Sitting down and writing a letter in private, however, gives you time to get in touch with your deepest feelings and then decide which words will best express them; hence, Phyllis Theroux’s quote.

Other than love letters, the most famous of all, Rakhi letters also hold great significance. It’s a joy both for the sister, who writes a letter, and the brother, who receives the letter. The single handwritten note adds credence to the entire occasion. ‘What a lot we lost when we stopped writing letters. You can't reread a phone call.’ Liz Carpenter, the famous writer, feminist, former reporter, and media advisor’s quote highlights another aspect of letters – they stay with us forever.

Studies have shown that the act of letter writing produces feelings of companionship.
For those divorced, widowed, or never-married… ‘Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company’ emphasizes Lord Byron, the renowned romantic poet. An icing on the cake, recipient can respond at leisure. Some find letter-writing too consuming; however, it isn’t necessarily so. A letter-pad, pen, envelopes and stamps on table; letters can be made as convenient as fax/email, if not more.

Along with the stationary, certain do’s and don’ts are also a must-know for all letter writers. First and foremost, the reader must be made aware of the date and place from where the letter is being written. Address the reader by name, e.g. Dear Parul; this ensures that the letter is in intended hands. Further, handwriting should be legible. You don’t want to scare your reader.

Let us come to the world’s most famous letters. According to Henry Tilney, noted, well mannered and intelligent priest ‘The talent of writing agreeable letters is peculiarly female.’ However, history doesn’t confirm it. Perhaps what Tilney meant was that these letters have feminine touch to them. Some of the well known letters are

Abigail Adams to John Adams - Dec 23, 1782
Sullivan Ballou - July 14, 1861 (Civil War)
Harriet Beecher Stowe - January 1, 1847
Ludwig von Beethoven - July 6, 1806
Pietro Bembo - October 18, 1503

The most important thing to know about love letters is that the best love letters come from the heart. You might not be able to write a poetic love letter but write a love letter that will be cherished forever.

A letter is the need of a loved one (either a romantic interest, or a brother, or a sister or an old friend) to communicate with you, hence, the great extent to which it is cherished. Love letters, to be specific, are not only effective among new couples, but can also be used to rekindle the romance in an old relationship. The knowledge and proof of the fact that somebody cares so much for us as to take a pen and paper, write a letter and post it in our name, gives great pleasure. I suggest we try giving this pleasure to someone. In all probability, it’ll bring us similar pleasure.